The Best Tick Control Services in Boston of 2026
From January 2025 through May 2026, our research team collected and analyzed data on 27 tick control and pest management companies serving Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Massachusetts ranks among the highest states in the country for Lyme disease incidence, reporting 138.9 cases per 100,000 residents in 2023, and a January 2025 Dartmouth study found that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks in the Northeast carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Cases of anaplasmosis, a second tick-borne illness, reached 1,496 in Massachusetts in 2025, more than double the 625 cases recorded in 2022.
Given that pressure, we ran all 27 companies through a weighted scoring system using the five factors below:
- Average Online Review Score (25%) — Aggregated ratings from Google, Yelp, and Angi, weighted by total review volume to reward consistency across platforms.
- Tick-Specific Treatment Options (25%) — Whether the provider offers a dedicated seasonal tick program versus folding tick control into a generic pest plan.
- Technician Training & Certifications (25%) — Verified credentials including QualityPro, GreenPro, ACE, NEPMA and NPMA membership, and documented continuing education hours.
- Eco-Friendly / Low-Impact Methods (15%) — Use of materials selected for minimal risk to non-target organisms, verified by third-party certification programs or outside auditors.
- Residential Focus & Local Ownership (10%) — Whether the company is locally owned, family-operated, and primarily serves single-family homeowners in the region.
We rank-ordered all 27 companies based on this ranking system. The table below shows the top eight performers, with in-depth reviews for each listed below it.
| Rank | Company | Reviews | Tick Treatments | Training & Certifications | Eco Methods | Local Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenhow | 4.9/5.0 | Seasonal tick + mosquito program | QualityPro, GreenPro, NPMA member, ACE-certified | Low-impact, GreenPro certified | Local, residential-only |
| 2 | Ecologic Entomology | 4.8/5.0 | Yard Guard Tick program | ACE-certified; NPMA member | Natural treatments available | Local residential focus |
| 3 | Mosquito Squad Metro South | 4.8/5.0 | Barrier tick package | EPA-registered franchise training | Natural option available | Residential franchise |
| 4 | Mosquito Shield North Shore | 4.6/5.0 | Tick Shield program | Proprietary formula system | Weather-resistant barrier | North Shore residential |
| 5 | Fox Pest Control Boston | 4.5/5.0 | Included in pest plans | Board-certified entomologists | Low-impact options | Regional provider |
| 6 | Lawn Doctor of Boston | 4.3/5.0 | Yard Armour® program | Franchise equipment system | Not emphasized | Lawn + tick care |
| 7 | Truly Gone Pest Control | 4.8/5.0 | Limited tick data | “Mosquito & Tick Season Pass“, “Fleas & Ticks” list | Kid/pet-safe products | Local Greater Boston |
| 8 | Terminix | 3.5/5.0 | Embedded in pest plans | National training program | Some eco-options | National provider |
1. Greenhow, for certified residential tick control
Greenhow has serviced more than 5,713 homes across Eastern Massachusetts over 20-plus years of operation, establishing one of the most documented track records of any locally owned pest control company in the region. Its technicians complete more certified pest management training hours in their first year than at any other independently owned pest control company in Massachusetts, a benchmark that directly improves tick identification accuracy and treatment targeting.
The company holds QualityPro and GreenPro certifications, applies Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to all service programs, and deploys organic and low-impact targeted solutions selected for the lowest risk to non-target organisms. Tick and mosquito treatment is offered as a dedicated seasonal program, not absorbed into a generic interior pest contract. Greenhow’s residential-only model means its service routes, technician scheduling, and continuing education hours are calibrated entirely for single-family homeowners.
Location: Newton (Auburndale), MA
Average Review Score: 4.9/5.0
Services Offered: Tick control, mosquito control, termite control, rodent control, ant control, spider control, stinging insect removal, lawn and plant health care
Transparent Pricing: Review GreenHow’s pricing structure and plan details here.
Summary of Online Reviews
| Reviewers across Yelp and Google consistently highlight “prompt” scheduling and “knowledgeable” technicians who explain treatment methods in clear, accessible terms. The only recurring mild critique is that appointment availability during peak tick season can book out more quickly than customers expect. |
2. Ecologic Entomology, for science-driven tick management
Ecologic Entomology operates out of the Greater Boston area and holds an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) designation, a credential that reflects formal advanced study in pest biology well beyond the minimum licensing requirements. Its Yard Guard Tick program delivers three to four targeted seasonal treatments, focusing on shaded landscapes, tall grass edges, and perimeter transition zones where tick-host contact is most frequent.
Eco-conscious formulations include an all-natural treatment line for homeowners with environmental commitments or concerns about product exposure around children and pets. Ecologic Entomology also serves commercial accounts, which means residential scheduling can occasionally compete with business-client demand during peak season.
Location: Boston, MA
Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0
Services Offered: Tick control, flea control, mosquito control, stinging insect control, termite control, bed bug treatment, rodent control, commercial pest control
Summary of Online Reviews
| Customers frequently mention “professional” conduct and “thorough” property inspections, with multiple reviewers citing specific technicians by name for exceptional service. Some reviewers note that response times can vary depending on the time of season. |
3. Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South, for high-volume barrier treatment programs
Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South is the local franchise of one of North America’s largest outdoor pest control networks. The company invented its barrier treatment program in 2005 and uses EPA-registered products to target ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and more than 40 additional pest types.
Treatments recur every 21 days over a six-to-twelve-month service window, with a 14-day courtesy re-treatment available if pest populations return before the next scheduled visit. A natural mosquito and tick treatment made with essential oils is available for homeowners who prefer an alternative to conventional products. Service coverage spans Boston, Canton, Hingham, Weymouth, Quincy, Randolph, and surrounding South Shore communities.
Location: Randolph, MA (Metro South franchise)
Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0
Services Offered: Mosquito control, tick control, flea control, rodent control, stinging insect control, spider control, seasonal barrier programs, event sprays
Summary of Online Reviews
| Reviewers repeatedly highlight “thorough” yard coverage and “courteous” technicians who consistently arrive on schedule. A small number of reviews note that communication between the central office and field teams occasionally creates scheduling confusion. |
4. Mosquito Shield North Shore, for proprietary-formula tick control
Mosquito Shield has operated residential mosquito and tick control programs since 2001, making it one of the longer-standing franchise models in the outdoor pest management space. The North Shore location serves a dense corridor from Amesbury and Newburyport south through Beverly, Salem, Everett, and Revere.
The Tick Shield program uses a proprietary formula engineered to kill ticks on contact and repel subsequent populations, with scheduled applications every 60 to 75 days through the active season. Results are weather-resistant, and a seven-day money-back guarantee applies to the first service visit. First appointments are scheduled within five business days, and pre- and post-treatment email notifications keep homeowners informed without requiring them to be present.
Location: North Shore, MA
Average Review Score: 4.6/5.0
Services Offered: Tick control, mosquito control, event spray services
Summary of Online Reviews
| Clients consistently report a “dramatic reduction” in tick and mosquito populations after initial treatments and appreciate the “transparent” pre-visit email communications. Some reviewers note that the service footprint is narrower than competitors covering the full Greater Boston metro. |
5. Fox Pest Control Boston, for entomologist-backed pest plans
Fox Pest Control has grown to more than 50 locally managed offices across the United States, with its Boston-area location operating out of Acton, MA and serving the Greater Boston corridor and Northwest suburbs. The company employs associate- and board-certified entomologists to inform treatment protocols, which gives its tick plans a measurable scientific foundation relative to providers relying solely on technician field experience.
Tick control is included in the company’s standard seasonal plans alongside interior and exterior pest services. Fox does not offer a standalone seasonal tick program; tick treatment is embedded within broader pest contracts that bundle multiple services together. For homeowners whose primary need is targeted yard tick reduction rather than comprehensive interior and exterior pest management, this bundled structure may feel less precise.
Location: Acton, MA (serving Greater Boston)
Average Review Score: 4.5/5.0
Services Offered: Tick control, ant control, mosquito control, rodent control, cockroach control, spider control, general seasonal pest plans
Summary of Online Reviews
| Customers frequently praise the “professional” technician attitude and the “easy” booking process. A recurring concern in lower-rated reviews involves the bundled contract structure, which some customers found difficult to modify or exit. |
6. Lawn Doctor of Boston, for lawn-integrated tick management
Lawn Doctor of Boston is the local franchise of a national lawn care network that offers the Yard Armour® Tick Control program as a dedicated residential service line. The program treats adult ticks alongside eggs and larvae, scheduling applications at intervals tied to the tick life cycle rather than a fixed calendar, which allows treatments to align with actual population windows in Greater Boston’s seasonal climate.
Service coverage includes Boston, Needham, Newton, Framingham, Milton, Braintree, Weymouth, Quincy, and Dedham. Lawn Doctor’s primary strength is the integration of tick control within a broader lawn care program, making it a logical pairing for homeowners who already manage turf through a professional provider. Its tick-specific expertise is narrower than companies whose core business is dedicated pest management.
Location: Greater Boston, MA
Average Review Score: 4.3/5.0
Services Offered: Tick control (Yard Armour®), lawn fertilization, weed control, aeration, seeding, lawn maintenance programs
Summary of Online Reviews
| Reviewers appreciate the “convenient” bundling of tick treatment with lawn care services and describe technicians as “friendly” and communicative. The most common critique points to inconsistency in results across different franchise technicians serving the same area. |
7. Truly Gone Pest Control, for kid-and-pet-safe pest reduction
Truly Gone Pest Control is a locally owned Greater Boston operation serving Newton, Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, Arlington, Medford, Belmont, Watertown, Lexington, and Wellesley, among other communities. The company emphasizes same-day service for common household pests and explicitly frames its product selection around safety for children and pets, with transparent pricing cited as a consistent differentiator in published customer reviews.
Mosquito reduction is an active service line, with customer-verified treatments documented from the 2025 season. At the time of this research, a standalone, publicly documented tick-specific program was not confirmed on the company’s website. Truly Gone scores well on local ownership, residential focus, and eco-conscious product framing, making it a strong candidate for homeowners who prioritize local accountability and transparency.
Location: Greater Boston, MA
Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0
Services Offered: Ant control, rodent control, mosquito reduction, roach control, wasp and hornet removal, general pest plans
Summary of Online Reviews
| Customers highlight “same-day” responsiveness and “respectful” technicians who explain treatments in plain language. Because the public review volume for this company is smaller than most competitors in this dataset, the aggregate score carries less statistical weight. |
8. Terminix, for national-brand full-service pest management
Terminix operates a local service center in Newton, MA serving the Greater Boston area and surrounding communities. The company offers tick control as a component of its residential pest management plans, supported by a national training infrastructure and EPA-registered protocols deployed across hundreds of markets. Its brand name and 24/7 customer support availability make it a common first contact for homeowners encountering tick problems for the first time.
The company’s aggregated online review score is the lowest among all eight providers in this dataset, with patterns across consumer platforms indicating mixed experiences around service consistency and contract terms. Tick control is not available as a standalone specialty program; it sits within general pest contracts that include early cancellation fees. For homeowners seeking a locally accountable provider with a dedicated tick program, Terminix functions better as a fallback option than a primary recommendation.
Location: Newton, MA (national chain)
Average Review Score: 3.5/5.0
Services Offered: Tick control, termite control, rodent control, bed bug treatment, mosquito control, general pest plans, wildlife removal
Summary of Online Reviews
| Reviewers acknowledge Terminix’s “wide availability” and “easy” initial booking process. However, a consistent pattern across review platforms flags complaints about “contract terms” and uneven service quality between technician visits. |
The Top Tick Control Services in Boston by Subcategory
We also broke down the top companies into three subcategories based on specialty.
The Top Tick Control Services in Boston by Technician Training Level
| Rank | Firm | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenhow | Most training hours of any independent MA provider |
| 2 | Ecologic Entomology | ACE-certified; science-based tick protocols |
| 3 | Fox Pest Control Boston | Board-certified entomologists on staff |
| 4 | Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South | EPA-registered franchise training program |
| 5 | Lawn Doctor of Boston | Proprietary Yard Armour® equipment system |
The Top Tick Control Services in Boston by Eco-Friendly Treatment Methods
| Rank | Firm | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenhow | GreenPro certified; IPM principles; third-party audited |
| 2 | Ecologic Entomology | All-natural treatment line; ACE-certified protocols |
| 3 | Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South | Natural essential-oil treatment option available |
| 4 | Truly Gone Pest Control | Kid-and-pet-safe product selection |
| 5 | Mosquito Shield North Shore | Weather-resistant proprietary barrier formula |
The Top Tick and Mosquito Combo Services in Boston
| Rank | Firm | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South | Barrier treatment; recurring 21-day combo programs |
| 2 | Mosquito Shield North Shore | Tick Shield + mosquito barrier combo program |
| 3 | Greenhow | Dedicated seasonal tick + mosquito program |
| 4 | Ecologic Entomology | Yard Guard Tick + seasonal mosquito control |
| 5 | Fox Pest Control Boston | Tick + mosquito bundled in seasonal pest plans |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tick treatments do Boston homeowners typically need per season?
Most tick control programs in the Greater Boston area deliver between three and six treatments per active season, running from early spring through late fall. Providers like Ecologic Entomology schedule three to four visits based on tick life cycle stages, while franchise programs like Mosquito Squad apply treatments on a fixed 21-day rotation.
Are tick control sprays safe for children and pets?
Safety standards vary significantly across providers. Companies operating under GreenPro certification and IPM principles, such as Greenhow, are required to use materials selected for the lowest risk to non-target organisms, with verification from outside auditors. Regardless of provider, most treatments require children and pets to stay off treated surfaces until the product dries, which typically takes 10 to 30 minutes.
When does tick season start and end in Massachusetts?
Tick activity in Massachusetts generally begins in late March or early April when ground temperatures rise above 35 degrees Fahrenheit and peaks from May through August. The black-legged tick remains active through November and can survive brief warm spells in winter.
If you want to reduce tick pressure on your property this season without relying on a national chain or a bundled lawn contract, schedule a consultation with Greenhow to get a free assessment from one of the most certified tick control teams in Eastern Massachusetts.